What software can I use with avast?

[theimaginaryduck]

Hey,

I would like to know what other anti-spyware, -malware, etc programs I can install on my computer. I know that I'm not supposed to install more than one antivirus (e.g. Norton), but I want to completely clean out my computer. I have Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware already, so what other programs can I use (or are recommended)?

Thanks!

[Lisandro]

avast free antivirus could be used side by side with:
1. Another antimalware tool like MBAM or SuperAntispyware.
2. Another firewall and HIPS tool, like Comodo Firewall and Defense+.
3. Another behavior blocker, like Threatfire.
4. Another immunization tool like SpywareBlaster.

[theimaginaryduck]

If Threatfire is 'real-time', wouldn't that interfere with avast? This is just an issue I'd like to clarify before I rush into downloading anything.

[Lisandro]

If Threatfire is 'real-time', wouldn't that interfere with avast? This is just an issue I'd like to clarify before I rush into downloading anything.

No. They work well together.

[Jahn]

I would also suggest using a hosts file. I use a customized version of the one at http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

A stand alone antivirus (no real time protection) like ClamWin can be useful as a second opinion scanner. ClamWin's overall detection rate is lower than Avast's, but occasionally finds items that Avast misses (at least until I submit the sample to Avast for inclusion, anyway  ).

[SafeSurf]

If Threatfire is 'real-time', wouldn't that interfere with avast? This is just an issue I'd like to clarify before I rush into downloading anything.

There was a reported issue with TF after their upgrade about 1-  2 months ago.  So you may want to look into this prior to installing, or look into another product.  I've had no problems with PrevX (resident cloud/behavior) and Avast for the past 1.5 years and any upgrades.

In addition, there are other firewalls that play well with Avast, such as Online Armor, PC ToolsPlus, Comodo, OutPost.

As for a cleaner, many of us here use CCleaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool.  There is a Slim version available as well at http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds.  It removes unused files (cache, temporary Internet files, etc.) from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.  It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.  Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner.  Remember when installing to uncheck the Yahoo toolbar.

Take a look at user's Signatures (at the bottom of our posts) to get an idea of what people use.  And welcome to the forum.   

[Lisandro]

I've had no problems with PrevX (resident cloud/behavior)

But it's a paid product (Threatfire is free...).

[SafeSurf]

They also make a free product now.

[Lisandro]

They also make a free product now.

Thanks.
How does it work? Seems not based on signatures...
I've tried their homepage, but there isn't a product comparison chart.

[SafeSurf]

Look in Wilder's > PrevX.  It was released 1 - 2 months ago.

[Lisandro]

I've done it, tested today. Not so impressed. They keep the very good part (the resident) for the paid version.
I'd rather go with cloud scanning, sandoxing and HIPS (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=63033).

[Rednose]

Personaly I don't need HIPS, and won't use it anymore. It is also too primitive as a technic, and too difficult to use for most users


BUT BACK TO TOPIC :

What about partition imaging software in case something got wrong Macrium Reflect FREE Edition does the job pretty well :

http://www.macrium.com/ReflectFree.asp

Greetz, Red.

[Lisandro]

Personaly I don't need HIPS, and won't use it anymore. It is also too primitive as a technic, and too difficult to use for most users

I think it's not primitive. It could be difficult if you set paranoid modes (or similar). The HIPS developers know that a lot of popups are annoying and they have ways to improve that.

What about partition imaging software in case something got wrong Macrium Reflect FREE Edition does the job pretty well :
http://www.macrium.com/ReflectFree.asp

Fully agree

[DavidR]

<snip>
What about partition imaging software in case something got wrong Macrium Reflect FREE Edition does the job pretty well :

Personally I feel hard disk imaging is an absolute essential, it can save you so much hassle that after having used it once in anger, you will wonder just how you survived without it. The actual one you choose is a matter of personal preference and your OS, etc.

Since I'm still using XP I can use the one I bought several years ago Drive Image 7.1. This was the last version from PowerQuest before Symantec bought them out and merged it with Norton Ghost, another choice is possibly the most widely used, Acronis True Image. Whilst these are paid versions there are free versions, though some are more limited.

See http://disk-imaging-software-review.toptenreviews.com/, this is for paid options, some of those do have limited free versions.

It takes me around 20 minutes to restore a previous drive image backup, so if a problem is likely to take more than that to resolve I thing seriously about restoring my last weekly disk/partition image. I have done it loads of times and not once as a result of infection, but that is an obvious candidate.

[SafeSurf]

They keep the very good part (the resident) for the paid version.
I'd rather go with cloud scanning, sandoxing and HIPS (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=63033).

That's why it's paid (that's why I have).    But it's good for layering, and a second opinion, light on system, no constant pop-up's, and no conflicts with Avast.